11 Living Room Lighting Ideas We Love

Aside from its most basic function, good lighting makes a room feel comfortable and welcoming. Floor lamps are great because they’re versatile—just move them around to create the feeling you want. With three light sources pointing upward at different angles, this Kenner Tripod Floor Lamp bathes a cozy lounging corner of any living room with warm light. For more options, check out these Amazon floor lamps, too. Here are a few tips for lighting a living room without overhead lights.

When it comes to overall overhead lighting, the options are nearly endless. Your overheard light can be used to show off your personality, so go for a contemporary or mid-century pendant or—if you’re feeling dramatic—a chandelier. Try this three-light dimmable drum chandelier from Wayfair. Its cork shade creates a dazzling contrast against the brushed steel hardware. Hanging a new light fixture is an easy DIY project too.

Task lighting provides increased light for specific tasks such as reading, crafts or crossword puzzles. Table, desk and floor lamps are great, easy options to add a bit of light right where you need it.

When choosing task lighting, try to stick to your decor style. “If you have contemporary or modern decor, you’ll want a contemporary or modern desk lamp,” says Jackie Bowen, a lighting specialist with Lightology. “Do your cabinets and drawers have brushed nickel or rubbed bronze handles? Match (or complement) your desk lamp finish to the other finishes in your space when possible,” according to Bowen.

Also known as pot lights or can lights, recessed lighting can provide ambient lighting for the whole room, or work to spotlight a certain area. Recessed lighting generally has two pieces: the housing and the trim. “The trim is the part that you can see from the room below, and comes in a range of finishes, sizes and shapes. The housing is the portion of the light that you do not see—it sits above your ceiling line,” according to lumens.com, a lighting and decor website. Lowe’s offers a recessed lighting buying guide to help you determine what size recessed lights are best for your living room.

When it comes to living room lighting ideas, wall sconces can be used to make a statement. This form of accent lighting comes in a variety of styles, from traditional to modern. This mid-century starburst wall sconce can be mounted vertically or horizontally, and doubles as a work of art.

If hanging a bunch of art isn’t your style, a stylish central light fixture in a unique design adds artistic flair to a living room. Mount statement lights to the wall, or hang them from the ceiling. If you choose the latter, hang it low enough that it feels like part of the room, but not so low that you worry about bumping into it. This dimmable wagon wheel chandelier will make a statement in any living room.